Close to 30,000 fans were preparing for kick-off when lights in sections of the stadium switched off unexpectedly about 7pm on August 26, leading to a 10-minute delay to the start of the test.
Extra lighting equipment had been installed at the venue for a three-minute light show spectacular, scheduled for 7.20pm, but the display was abandoned following the glitch.
The Otago Daily Times was told this week Dunedin Venues, which runs the ratepayer-owned stadium, faced a financial penalty as a result of the August 26 incident.
DVML spokeswoman Kim Barnes would not be drawn when asked repeatedly this week for details of any financial penalty, saying they were ‘‘commercially sensitive and confidential’’.
The company had a venue hire contract with New Zealand Rugby for the test, which included key performance indicators (KPIs) for the event’s delivery, she said.
‘‘As part of any match contract, there are KPIs for the event delivery process and we have those discussions directly with the hiring body.
‘‘We’ll abide by our contractual obligations, so won’t be making any further comment,’’ she said.
New Zealand Rugby match manager Jo Gilpin said the lighting failure had been ‘‘highlighted’’ in a regular post-match review, but NZR was ‘‘satisfied that DVML has implemented lessons to avoid a repeat occurrence’’.
She denied DVML had been ‘‘fined’’ as a result of the lights failure, but would not discuss other forms of financial penalty either.
‘‘Details of our KPI discussions with DVML are confidential under the terms of our venue hire agreement,’’ she said.
The lighting failure came after media attending last month’s test were briefed by NZRU staff before the match about a blackout and light show planned prior to kick-off.
Extra lighting devices and cables had been installed around the perimeter of the ground for the display, which had to be abandoned following the glitch.
Ms Barnes said the cause was a ‘‘malfunction in the programming of the light sequence which overrode the planned sequence’’.
‘‘DVML has fully briefed NZR on the results of the investigation and NZR is satisfied with the outcome of the investigation.
‘‘Protocols have now been put in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again.’’
A spokeswoman for Sky Sport referred questions to NZR, while Dunedin City Council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose declined to comment.
The ODT has filed an official information request seeking more details, including the size of any financial penalty.
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Dunedin City ratepayer's own this stadium,not just a handful of people that think it's their god given right to dictate what the owners(the ratepayers) are told,this must stop the owners want answers and they want them now.